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Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews2020; 113; 1-11; doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.02.031

Measuring the evolution of facial ‘expression’ using multi-species FACS.

Abstract: Darwin observed that form, and in his view, meaning, of facial behaviour (observable changes in the appearance of the face, often termed facial 'expression') is similar between a wide range of species and concluded that this must be due to a shared ancestral origin. Yet, as with all social behaviours, exactly how to define similarity and determine homology is debated. Facial behaviour is linked to specific facial muscle movements, so one important factor in determining homology is the anatomical basis of facial behaviours that appear similar in both appearance and social function. The Facial Action Coding System (FACS) was developed for the scientific measurement of human facial behaviour and is based on individual facial muscle movements (Ekman and Friesen, 1978). FACS has since been modified for use with various non-human primate species (chimpanzees, macaques, hylobatids, orangutans) and domestic species (dogs, cats, horses). These FACS can be used to trace continuity of form in facial behaviour across species and build a better understanding of the evolution of facial communication in mammals.
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Publication Date: 2020-02-24 PubMed ID: 32105704DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.02.031Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article explores the use of the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) for tracing the evolution and form of facial behaviours across various species, including humans, primates and domestic animals. Essentially, the article dives into the concept put forth by Darwin that facial expressions link back to a shared ancestral origin.

Objective of the Study

  • The core objective of this study was to identify and examine the anatomical basis of similar facial behaviours across different species. Every facial behaviour is associated with specific facial muscle movements. Thus, one crucial factor in identifying commonality or homology is the anatomical foundation of facial behaviours that appear similar in appearance and social function.

Facial Action Coding System (FACS)

  • The researchers employed the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) – a scientific method developed for measuring human facial behaviour based on individual facial muscle movements.
  • Over time, FACS has been adapted for use with various non-human primate species (such as chimpanzees, macaques, hylobatids, orangutans) and domestic animals (like dogs, cats, horses).
  • This system was used to investigate continuity of form in facial behaviour across these species.

Findings and Conclusion

  • Through the use of FACS, the researchers hoped to build a better understanding of the evolution of facial communication in mammals.
  • Tracing the changes and similarities in facial ‘expressions’ across multiple species potentially validates Charles Darwin’s observation of a shared ancestry suggested by common facial behaviour forms.

Cite This Article

APA
Waller BM, Julle-Daniere E, Micheletta J. (2020). Measuring the evolution of facial ‘expression’ using multi-species FACS. Neurosci Biobehav Rev, 113, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.02.031

Publication

Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews
ISSN: 1873-7528
NlmUniqueID: 7806090
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 113
Pages: 1-11
PII: S0149-7634(19)30240-4

Researcher Affiliations

Waller, B M
  • Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom. Electronic address: bridget.waller@port.ac.uk.
Julle-Daniere, E
  • Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom.
Micheletta, J
  • Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cats
  • Dogs
  • Face
  • Facial Expression
  • Facial Muscles
  • Horses
  • Primates
  • Social Behavior

Citations

This article has been cited 52 times.
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